Athletes, others react to news of Aaron Hernandez’s death

The sports world woke up to the news on April 19, that former New England Patriots star and convicted murderer Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell. He was 27.

The news of the his death, which is currently being investigated, was so shocking as it is yet another tragic point in this case of a star with such promise who became a cold-blooded killer.

Hernandez played his college ball with the Tim Tebow-led Florida Gators and in 2010, was drafted by the New England Patriots. He became a star tight end for the Pats and along with fellow draftee Rob Gronkowski, gave the team the best tight-end combo in the NFL. In 2012, he signed a contract worth $40 million.

Then on June 18, 2013, Hernandez was arrested in connection with the shooting death of his friend, Odin Lloyd. He was tried and found guilty of first degree murder in 2015. His sentence was life in prison without the possibility of parole. The former NFL player was then tried for a double-murder case and just last week was acquitted. But now today, he was found dead in his prison cell which will likely mark the final chapter in this very tragic story for Lloyd’s family and even Hernandez’s as they try to make sense of why he made the choices he did instead of living out his dream.

His death falls on the same day that his old team, the Patriots, are heading to the White House to meet the president in celebration of their Super Bowl win last February. Pats quarterback Tom Brady, who played with Hernandez, is not making the trip to D.C.